Georgia And The West Condemn Russia's Treaty With Georgia's Rebel South Ossetia Region

Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) and South Ossetian President Leonid Tibilov make a statement for the press March 18, 2015. (RIA Novosti / Aleksey Nikolskyi)

Reuters: Russian treaty with rebel Georgian region alarms West

(Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin signed a treaty with Georgia's rebel South Ossetia region on Wednesday that almost completely integrates it with Russia, alarming Georgia and the West a year after Moscow took over Crimea.

Tbilisi described the "alliance and integration" treaty as a "move aimed at annexation" and the United States and European Union said they would not recognize the agreement, which the EU depicted as a threat to regional security and stability.

Under the deal, signed in the Kremlin by Putin and South Ossetian leader Leonid Tibilov, a former KGB official, the region's security forces, military, economy, customs service and border guards will be deeply integrated with those of Russia.

More News On Georgia And The West Condemning Russia's Treaty With Georgia's Rebel South Ossetia Region

Russian, South Ossetian Presidents Sign Treaty on Cooperation, Integration -- Sputnik
Russia Tightens Control Over Breakaway Georgian Region of South Ossetia -- WSJ
Russia signs major alliance treaty with South Ossetia, pledges military protection -- RT
On Crimea anniversary, Russia signs South Ossetia deal -- Deutsche Welle
Russian treaty with South Ossetia breaks international law: NATO -- Reuters
US, EU do not recognise Russia-Tskhinvali region “treaty” -- Agenda.ge (Georgia)
US Refuses to Recognize Upcoming Russia-South Ossetia Treaty - Psaki -- Sputnik
U.S. does not recognize Russia's treaty with rebel Georgia region: State Dept -- Reuters
Russia stirs anger with South Ossetia 'annexation' deal -- AFP